Thursday, February 16, 2017

The “Prize Catch” Husband

The “PRIZE CATCH” Husband

A Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When I
returned home from work in the evening – I found everyone waiting for me.

Yes –
they were eagerly waiting for me to come home from work – my parents – my elder
sister and her husband – my aunty (mother’s sister) and her husband – our
neighbors and their daughter – and – of course – our maid – she was eavesdropping
as usual for some “hot gossip”…

The
moment she saw me – my mother said excitedly: “The Boy’s parents called up in the afternoon – the “Boy” has liked you…”

“I got
your SMS…” I said to my mother, rather tersely.

Actually
– I called you immediately to give you the good news – but you didn’t answer
the phone – so I sent you the SMS…”

“I was
busy…”

“I
thought you would be happy to see the good news – and – I expected you to call
back immediately the moment you saw the SMS…”

“Good
News…? What “good news”…?”

“The
“Boy” has liked you. You will be getting married soon and going to America.
Isn’t that “good news”…? Aren’t you “happy”…?”

“What
do you mean by “I am getting married”…?
I hope you haven’t…?” I asked my mother.

“Yes. She
has…” my father said, “your mother has told
the Boy’s mother that you “like” the “Boy”…”

“What…?”
I said, shocked.

“We
have even fixed up your marriage…” my mother said.

“When…?”

“Next
Sunday…”

“Next
Sunday…? That’s just 10 days away…”

“It’s a
good “Muhurat” – that’s what the
Boy’s mother said – and – I checked up on the astrological calendar too – a
very auspicious day – and – it’s an ideal day and date – it will be convenient
for everyone to attend the wedding ceremony on Sunday – and – we were so lucky
– even a good “Marriage Hall” was available at such short notice – so – we have
booked the hall too…” my mother said, matter-of-factly.

“You
did all this on the phone…?” I asked my mother, feeling flabbergasted.

“Yes.
The Boy’s parents are in a hurry – the Boy has to go back to America by the end
of this month – so we have got just 15 days for the marriage – a quick
honeymoon – and then – the moment your “spouse visa” comes – you can join your
husband in the US…”

“Spouse
Visa…?”

“You
are lucky – the Boy is already an American Citizen – so he said that he will
arrange everything so that you can get there quickly – so – you keep your
passport ready with you in your purse – the Boy is coming to meet you at 6:30…”

“He is
coming to meet me at 6:30 – that’s just half an hour from now…”

“Yes –
we have to do things quickly now – you get ready fast – he is going to take you
out for dinner – you both can discuss all your marriage plans, honeymoon, going
to America, future life etc…”

“What
is wrong with you…? When did I ever say that I want to get married to this
“Boy”…?”

“Don’t
you “like” the “Boy”…?”

“Did I
ever say that I “Liked” the “Boy”…? Did I ever say that I wanted to get married
to him…?”

“We
assumed…”

“How
can you assume such things...? I hardly know him…”

“First
– you two met at the “Kande Pohe”
girl-seeing ceremony here – then – the very next day – you two went out for coffee to get to know each other
better – and – after that – you visited his parents’ house – and – when I asked
you about him – you said: “The “Boy is
Good”…”

“Yes. The “Boy” may be good – but that doesn’t
mean I want to get married to him – and that too – in such a crashing
hurry…”

“I told
you – the “Boy” has come to India on a month’s vacation – and – he has to go
back to America by the end of the month – so – before that we have to finish
off your wedding ceremony – in fact – we have agreed to have just a token
engagement ceremony at home due to the shortage of time…”

“You
don’t worry – we will arrange everything – all of us will do all the wedding
work – you just have to be present for the wedding ceremonies – that’s all…” my
elder sister said.

“Yes –
that Wedding Hall is booked – the Menu has been finalized – I have already paid
the advance online – we will go there tomorrow morning to finalize the
ceremonies and arrangements and tie up the loose ends…” my sister’s husband
said.

“We
will finish off all the wedding shopping this weekend – you can visit your
parlour too – and – by next Sunday – you will be all set for your wedding…”
said my aunty (mother’s sister).

“I will
get some sample wedding card samples for you to choose from – so – we can give
the printing order…” my mother’s sister’s husband said, “you don’t worry – I
will handle that end and see that everyone gets invitations in time – I will
email them too – and – your father and mother will take you along to invite the
very close relatives…”

“Yes –
the wedding will happen smoothly – the Boy’s parents are very decent people –
they are not insisting on anything – they said to me: “Whatever you do – we are
happy”…” my mother said.

“Okay…”
my father said to me, “you go to your room and get ready quickly – the “Boy”
will be here in another 20 minutes...”

“And –
wear something nice – and do your hair – and touch up your face up a bit also –
I’ll come with you and help you get ready for the “Boy”…” my sister said to me.

“Please Please Please Please Please – I am
not interested in getting married to this “Boy”…” I shouted,
exasperated.

“What…?”
everyone said, looking surprised.

“I do not want to get married to this “Boy”…” I said firmly.

“But
why…?” my mother asked me.

“I
don’t know – but – I don’t want to get married…”

“You
are already 27 years old – and – your father is retiring next year…” my mother
said.

“You
don’t worry – I am financially independent – I will fund my own marriage – I
don’t need any money from you…” I said.

“No.
No. Your mother didn’t mean it that way…” my father said, “I want you to tell
me one thing – you don’t want to get
married at all – or – you don’t want to get married to this “Boy”…?”

“I don’t want to get married to this “Boy”…” I said.

“But
why…? What’s wrong with this “Boy”…? He is a “perfect match” for you…” my
mother said to me.

“Yes –
it is such a nice family – and – the “Boy” has such good character – he has no
bad habits – he does not smoke or drink – he is a teetotaller – he so well-mannered,
polite and soft-spoken – his mother said that he has a very loving and caring
nature – he will be best husband for you…” my sister said to me.

“Yes – he
is so well qualified – IIT – Ivy League University – excellent career – well
settled – and he is already an American Citizen too…” my sister’s husband said.

“You
are so lucky that the “Boy” has liked you…” my neighbour said, “if I would had
got such a “prize catch” NRI boy for my daughter – I would have married off my
daughter to him immediately…”

“Then –
why don’t you get your daughter married to him…?” I said rudely to my
neighbour.

“It’s
okay…” my neighbour said, “it’s your nerves speaking – you are nervous at the
speed at which things are happening. You go up and relax for some time and
think about it calmly. This “Boy” seems really good – so you don’t let go of
the opportunity. You may not get such a good boy again – especially at your
age…”

Suddenly
– everyone started hounding me.

“Yes –
the “Boy” is really good…”

“You
will regret all your life if you don’t marry him…”

“A
perfect match…”

“Yes –
so brilliant – so accomplished – so loving…”

“He
looks so handsome – so fair – so smart and debonair – what a smart personality –
and – he has such an excellent physique…”

“He is
intelligent, well-qualified, doing so well in his career…”

“Yes –
and he belongs to such an excellent family – so – he is sure to have good
upbringing and values…”

“Didn’t
you see how polite, soft-spoken and well-mannered he was – and – the way he
talked to his parents and to us – he has such a loving and caring nature…”

“He is
an ideal husband…”

“You
will not find a boy like him – impeccable credentials – brilliant career
prospects – and – exceptional qualities – you name it – and – he has it – intellect,
character, personality, elegance, handsome looks, social graces – everything
perfect – not a single blemish…”

“Yes –
the “Boy” has such excellent character and qualities – he has no faults…”

“Yes.
Yes. Yes…” I shouted, “He has no faults.
That is the reason I don’t want to marry him…”

“You
don’t want to marry him just because he has no faults…? What do you mean…?” my
mother asked me.

“He is too good to be true…” I said.

“What
do you mean “he is too good to be true”…?”

“I
don’t know. But something seems to be wrong…”

“Are
you afraid that he may be a “NRI Fraud”…? You don’t worry on that score. We
have checked his background thoroughly – he has impeccable credentials…” my
sister said.

“Yes –
I have checked up with my NRI friends – one works in the same firm – and
another friend lives nearby – and – all of them say that he is an excellent
guy…” my sister’s husband said.

“I know
his family personally – his mother and my mother-in-law are close friends…” my
sister said.

(It was my sister who had
suggested this “Boy” to my mother as a suitable husband for me)

“So –
you are worried that if I “reject” the “Boy” – your mother-in-law will get angry
with you…?” I asked my sister in quite a nasty tone.

“Of
course everyone will be annoyed – we will have plenty of explaining to do.
First – mother says “Yes” to the proposal – and now – we will have to make a
U-Turn and say “No” – and all this – just because of your stubborn attitude…” my
sister said to me.

“What
do you mean by “stubborn attitude”…? I am not going to get married to that
“Boy” just because you want me to…”

“But
why…? What is wrong with him…?”

“I
don’t feel like getting married to him – that’s all…”

“The
“Boy” is so good – and – you are already 27…”

“You
don’t worry about me – I would rather remain unmarried than marry this “Boy”…”

“You
always wanted to go to the US – didn’t you…?
You will not get an opportunity like this again – you will become an
American Citizen straightaway…”

“Please.
Please. Please. I don’t want to marry this “Boy” – and – that is my final
decision…” I said.

“Please
try to understand – this is really a good match for you – this “Boy” is most
suitable for you…”

“Stop
it – just stop it – you are saying the same things again and again…”

“Please
try to think rationally…”

“Rationally…?
What is there to think rationally…?”

“Give
me one good reason why you don’t want to marry this “Boy”…” my mother said.

“It is
not “nonsense”. I always listen to my “inner voice”. I am not saying that the
“Boy” is bad – but – I don’t feel comfortable in his presence – he generates
negative vibes within me…”

“But –
you have met him thrice – at the “girl-seeing” ceremony here – then –you
two went out for coffee to get to know
each other better – and – after that – you visited his parents’ house…”

“So
what – I told you that my “inner voice” tells me that I should not marry that
“Boy”…”

“Okay –
you get ready – the “Boy” will be here at 6:30 – go out with him – have dinner
– spend some time alone with him – talk to him – ask him whatever is bothering
you – clear all your apprehensions…”

“I am
not going out with that “Boy” – in fact – I do not intend meeting him again…”

“But –
what will we tell him…?”

“You
fixed up my marriage without asking me – didn’t you…? Now – you tell him that
the marriage is cancelled…” I said to my mother.

“How
can we do that…? It will be a big humiliation…” my mother said, with tears in
her eyes.

“Why
are you acting so “hoity-toity”…? The
“Boy” is a “Prize Catch” – and you should be grateful to me for arranging this
match. There were so many girls lined up for him but I made sure that he saw
you first. There are hundreds of girls who would jump at the opportunity to
marry him…” my sister said.

“Then –
let them marry him. I am not interested…” I said.

“You
have put us in a very embarrassing situation…” my mother said, “Please change
your mind – at least – go out with him for dinner…”

“Yes.
Yes. You go out with him this evening…” everyone started saying – trying to put
pressure on me.

Suddenly
– my father intervened: “It is her life – let her decide…”

“What
are you saying…?” my mother pleaded with him.

My
father turned towards me – and – he said to me: “You go up to your room and
stay there. I will tell the “Boy” – in fact – I will call up his parents right
now before he comes…?

And so
– My Marriage to the “Boy” was cancelled.

Everyone
was angry with me.

Relations
between me and everyone were spoilt forever.

My
mother said that the Boy’s parents were very angry and they insulted my father
when he phoned them to call off the marriage.

For my
mother – my marriage to that “Boy” would have been a “social triumph” – but now
– because of my obstinacy – everything was ruined – and – she thought that she
would look like a fool in society.

My
father remained silent – but – I could see that he was upset.

My
sister stopped speaking to me – she never forgave me for creating a rift
between her and her mother-in-law (who was a close friend of the Boy’s mother).

My
aunty stopped looking for “Suitable Boys” for me.

Our
neighbour told everyone what a big fool I was – and – she prophesied that I
would never get married and would remain a spinster for my entire life.

The
“Boy” got married to his “second choice” girl – he had “shortlisted” 5 girls in just
one week – that will give you an idea of how much he was in demand – a real
“prize catch” – who – I had let go…

Sometimes
– I too felt pangs of regret – but then – my conscience told me that I had done
the right thing by listening to my “inner voice” – my “sixth sense” – “gut
feelings” – vibes” – call it what you like – I think you know what I am talking
about.

I had
sensed something wrong about the “Boy” that I could not put my finger on – a sense
of feelings that I could perceive but could not quantify or enumerate.

Yes – I
am human – and – I did feel a pang of regret at the “golden opportunity” that I
had spurned.

But – I
forgot about the episode – and – I got on with my life.

ONE YEAR LATER

Around
one year later – a smart girl walked into my office.

I recognized
her at once.

She was
the “second choice” girl – who had got married to the “Boy” – who I had “rejected”.

How did
I know this…?

Simple –
I had seen her profile on Facebook.

A few
days after “rejecting” the “Boy” – I wondered who he had married – so – I surfed
the Social Media – and – I had seen pictures of his grand wedding and his new
bride (who had taken my place).

I asked
the girl to sit down.

She had
come to submit her resume in person for a “walk-in interview”.

As HR Manager
– I was supposed to scrutinize her resume – and – take a preliminary interview –
and then – if I found her okay – send her for the final interview with our Boss
in the next cabin.

I
opened the resume folder.

Her
name indicated that she was still married to the “Boy”.

“You
are married to XXX…?” I asked her.

“Yes…”
she said.

“But – your husband lives in New York – isn’t it…? He is an American Citizen – isn’t he…?”

“How do
you know…?”

“Well – you just answer my question…”

“Yes –
he is in New York…”

“So –
why do you want a job here in Pune…?”

“I have
come back…”

“You
have come back to India…? Oh – so your husband has relocated here to Pune for
work – is it…? For how many years…?”

“I have
come back alone…” she said, with a slight quiver in her voice.

“Alone…?
Why have you come back alone…?” I asked her.

“I’d
rather not say – it is personal…” she said.

“Well –
you will have to tell me – this is an interview – and – in case you are
selected for the job – we will be doing a thorough background check in any case
– so – it is best you tell me everything truthfully…” I said firmly.

“I have
left my husband – I have applied for divorce – I am not going back to him
ever again – I have permanently left him…” she said, choking a bit.

“Oh –
what happened – why did you leave him…?” I asked, curious.

“He was
a pervert…” she said, with tears appearing in her eyes.

It was
cruel of me – but – I pursued the topic – and – I said to her:

“What
do you mean he was a “pervert”…? I have met your husband – and – he seemed to
be a perfect gentleman…”

“Yes –
for the outside world – he was a “goody-goody” well-mannered gentleman – but –
behind closed doors – he was a cruel depraved pervert…” she said – and – she broke
into tears.

“Oh –
so he was a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” type personality…?” I said.

She did
not answer – because – by now – she had broken down completely – her composure
totally shattered – and – she was crying copiously.

I
imagined myself in her position – and – I thanked my stars that I had listened
to my “inner voice” and not married the “Prize Catch” Boy.

This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

About Me

A creative person with a zest for
life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated
at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School
Pune, Vikram has published two books:COCKTAILa collection of fiction short stories about relationships
(2011) andAPPETITE FOR A STROLLa
book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel, writing short fiction and compiling his memoirs. An avid
blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative
non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, books, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories, self help and art of living essays in magazines and journals and published a number of professional research papers and reviews and edited in-house magazines and journals for many years, before the advent
of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to
creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse -
his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative
thoughts.